Charter Guardians

In 2003, Norsk Høstfest Board of Directors approved a fundraising effort to establish a fund to preserve the festival’s future and to guard against emergencies such as the proverbial “snowstorm” or other acts of nature. Through a series or personal visits, 85 friends of Norst Høstfest made commitments of at least $6,000 to help preserve Norsk Høstfest for future generations. These generous people were recognized as Guardians.

The commitments received through the initial Guardian campaign formed the Høstfest-Heritages Foundation’s first restricted fund. Today the Norsk Høstfest Guardian Fund remains as a vital financial resource supporting many aspects of the festival’s commitment to preserving heritage through involvement in cultural and heritage education programs such as Høstfest in the Schools and others that are held during the festival or within community venues. Most of these activities do not generate enough revenue to cover their costs but they are essential to the purpose and mission of Norsk Høstfest.

Charter Guardians Duane and Sharlene and Orlan and Rosie Tollefson celebrate at Høstfest with their sister Phyllis Kempkes and her husband Neville.

The Høstfest-Heritage Foundation is pleased to honor the first Guardians who stepped up and contributed in their own name or in memory or honor of others. The Guardians represent a belief in an idea and a vision that grew beyond those first festivals into one that is known throughout the world. The Høstfest-Heritage Foundation’s Today and Tomorrow “Our Values Align” Initiative is seeking to permanently recognize the first 100 Guardians by inviting another 15 to make the $6,000 commitment. These 100 will be known as Charter Guardians and will permanently be recognized as the first to step forward and say “Yes!” to preserving our Scandinavian heritage, culture and what we know as “Hooostfest!”